Property and legal
What happens to their house when they die?
Short answer
Depends on how it was titled. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship → passes to the surviving owner automatically. Community property in California → surviving spouse usually inherits. Trust → successor trustee handles it. Sole owner, no trust → probate.
What this usually means
Depends on how it was titled. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship → passes to the surviving owner automatically. Community property in California → surviving spouse usually inherits. Trust → successor trustee handles it. Sole owner, no trust → probate.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.